Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1900 Vol. 31 N. 13

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
A New Mathushek Catalogue.
"Sixty Years of Piano Building" is the
appropriate title of the new Mathushek &
Son Piano Co.'s catalogue, just issued. It
contains several novel and attractive fea-
tures, notably the use of the front cover
page as a frame for a portrait of Handel,
the portrait itself occupying a conspicuous
place on the title page.
Under the heading of "A Confidential
Chat," a number of interesting, useful
paragraphs on pertinent piano topics
take the place of the usual techni-
cal catalogue descriptions. Every page of
the reading matter is embellished with
portraits of noted composers, and alle-
gorical illustrations tastefully set in fancy
scroll frames. The history of the firm is
given in a chatty and exceedingly inter-
esting way. It includes a "Record Un-
surpassed" of Mathushek inventions em-
bodied in the present Mathushek piano.
Several pages are devoted to illustra-
tions and descriptions of the latest Math-
ushek & Son styles.
The current styles
in uprights are 108, 112, 115 and 120.
They are equally artistic in design and
ought to find a host of purchasers.
The catalogue reflects great credit on
the firm. Much originality, skill and edi-
torial ability have been displayed in its
preparation. Typographically it is a high-
ly satisfactory production and constitutes
in its entirety an important and valuable
contribution to piano literature.
Taylor Buys Out Sackett.
Taylor's Music House, Springfield, Mass.,
has bought the entire stock of small goods,
sheet music and music books of Sackett's
Music House, which formerly conducted
business in Bridge street, that city.
Prof. Royce and the Behr.
Behr Bros. & Co. have received the fol-
lowing strong testimonial from Prof. J. T.
Royce, one of Maryland's best known and
most efficient instructors of music:
"Dear Sirs—I received the piano, style
G, mahogany, in good condition, and am
more than pleased. This is the first Behr
Bros. & Co. piano I have seen and it is far
beyond my expectations. The tone and
touch please me very much indeed and I
like the cylinder top. 1 hope to achieve
such success with this instrument that I
shall feel encouraged to order several
others in the near future."
Death of John Henley.
The sudden death is announced of John
Henley, who for quite some time has acted
as foreman at the factory of the New Eng-
land Piano Co., George street, Boston.
When he went to work Wednesday of last
week he was, to all appearances, in perfect
health, but at noontime he was taken sud-
denly ill, no doubt from heart trouble, and
expired immediately.
J. A. Norris, the general Eastern repre-
sentative of Smith & Barnes, Chicago, has
been touring the New England States
with satisfactory results. The Smith &
Barnes pianos are gaining a firm bold in
the East.
Busy at Waterloo.
A Cleveland Affair.
[Special to The Review.]
(Special to The Review.)
Waterloo, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1900.
Business with the Waterloo Organ Co.
continues excellent, and there is every pros-
pect of a continuance of these satisfactory
conditions. The regular shipments of Mal-
colm Love and Alexander pianos have been
maintained throughout the summer, so that
it has been extremely difficult to accumu-
late a reserve stock in order to take care of
the increased trade which will come later.
Malcolm Love remarked: " W e have
been busy, and in my opinion we will have
an unusual demand for instruments after
the election, which, I believe, can go but
one way. The people of this country
will not vote to degrade the dollar or- to
substitute theory for fact. Mark my words,
we will all be hustling day and night to
keep in sight of orders which will come in
with ' hurry' attached shortly after the
election occurs.
' ' Our organ business keeps up very well,
which shows that good organs can still be
made and sold."
Mr. Love has been doing double duty
since the illness of Mr. Bootes, head of the
clerical department, and after his return
will endeavor to secure a few days vacation
before the exacting duties of heavy fall
campaign are well on.
Cleveland, O., Sept. 24, 1900.
There is quite a war on between the
Schaeffer Piano Co. of Chicago and the
Northern Ohio Piano Co. of this city.
The former have brought suit in the
Common Pleas Court to replevin four-
teen pianos claimed to be in the posses-
sion of the Northern Piano Co. and to col-
lect $500 damages for alleged wrongful
detention of property. This, however, was
prefaced by several suits brought by
the Northern Ohio Piano Co. against
the Chicago institution. One was $50,000
damages for alleged breach of contract,
another, for $25,000 for slander, was
brought by J. H. Smith, manager of the
Cleveland piano store, and the third suit is
for $50,000 damages, alleging that through
inducements E. M. Buttell, who had been
engaged as general manager of the North-
ern Ohio Piano Co., broke his contract and
delivered to the Schaeffer Co. valuable
goods.
The parties interested in the matter seem
to be quite bitter, and it is almost impos-
sible to get any details outside of the facts
revealed in the cross suits which have been
brought.
Various creditors, including N. L. Geb-
hard, representing the A. B. Chase Co.,
E. S. Story, Story & Clark, Chicago, and
C. W. Price, Cable Co., Chicago, have been
here this week deciding upon action where-
by their interests would be best served.
The Northern Ohio Piano Co. was or-
ganized as a hundred thousand concern,
but comparatively little cash was paid in.
The Only " Paramount Issue."
A specimen of Ludwig enterprise that
merits praise is an advance postal card
just being sent out. It is bound to com-
pel considerable notice. Over their well-
known sunrise trade mark, which is printed
in red on the card, appears in black ink
the following timely talk:
THE CAMPAIGN IS OPEN.
I am "stumping" the country on behalf
of the ONLY "paramount issue," which, as
you know, is the—
"LUDWIG PIANO,"
for the discussion of which I shall be at
your service for any length of time from
now on; such insignificant issues as "im-
perialism" and "16 to 1," require but one
second and get no more.
Yours in true faith, etc.,
LUDWIG INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
968 SOUTHERN BOUL. , NEW YORK CITY.
Stealing from State Lands.
[Special to The Review].
Albany, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1900.
Forest Protector Frank O. Fournier, of
this city, one of the new appointees of the
Forest, Fish and Game Commission, has
secured the conviction of five men for tres-
pass on state lands in Fulton county. The
men are Gilbert H. Boyer, George Dock-
stader, Jr., Fred Lyons and Bert Becker.
They were cutting timber on state land in
the town of Stratford, and were selling it
in Dolgeville to make sounding boards for
pianos. They were fined $133.
EXPERIENCED PIANO AND ORGAN TUNER.
A first-class piano and organ tuner and gen-
eral repairer desires position in wareroom.
Will be glad to hear from those who appreciate
ability and steadiness. Address: "Linderman,"
care of The Music Trade Review, 3 E. 14th
$treet r New York,
Fred fl. Randall Dead.
Fred M. Randall, the wealthy piano plate
manufacturer of 84 Quay street, Brooklyn,
and a summer resident of Little Silver
Point, N. J., met death at the latter place
in a tragic manner on Monday, but wheth-
er by accident or design it is not known.
He was killed by a rifle bullet which
crashed through his brain.
It was Mr. Randall's custom to rise early.
On Monday morning, about 6:30, he
was heard descending the back stairs and
immediately afterwards Mrs. Randall was
startled by the report of a gun. Investi-
gation disclosed Mr. Randall unconscious
on the floor of the butler's pantry, with
his head in a pool of blood. Life was al-
most gone, but physicians were sent for,
and the unfortunate man lived only a few
minutes after they got there. The rifle
was a small one of .22 calibre, owned by
Mr. Randall's son, Chester, twelve years
old.
Mr. Randall was operated on several
years ago for appendicitis, and the opera-
tion was not entirely successful. He ex-
pected to undergo a second operation short-
ly, and it was known that he dreaded it.
Mr. Randall was about forty years old. He
leaves a wife and an only son.
The Weaver Organ & Piano Co., York
City, Pa., made shipments of organs to
Glasgow, Scotland, and Nashville,, Te.n.,
nessee, this week.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Brown Held for Grand Jury.
Beirjamin F. Brown, bookkeeper and
manager for the C. E. Byrne Piano Co.,
who was arrested last week for embezzling
money from the firm by substituting
drafts for cash, was held for trial in bail of
$1,500, on Wednesday. Brown, who is
fifty-seven years of age and a veteran of
the Civil War, had the fullest confidence of
C. E. Bryne, the head of the firm.
Mr. Byrne, who only returned from
Europe a few days ago, was seen by The
Review on Tuesday. He declined to give
all the details until such time as Brown's
trial was completed and a verdict ren-
dered, but was willing to talk freely in a
general way concerning the theft. When
asked by The Review for a statement, he
said: " T h e man who has confessed that
he played me false enjoyed my fullest trust
and confidence.
" The system of bookkeeping now in
force was originated by him. I liked the
plan for its completeness. As it turns out,
this very completeness served as a cover
for his rascality. I don't know how much
I have lost, but as the returns reach me
day by day from out of town I am treated
to a series of startling revelations, and the
end is not yet. It may be $10,000.
"We have many transactions for cash,
thus he was able to work his scheme with-
out let or hindrance. It was lucky that I
came home when I did. Passage was taken
for my return voyage by vessel leaving
Sept. 5, but a premonition of the affair
came to me when at Rome and I started at
once for New York. Brown's ingratitude
vexes me more than the actual peculation.
I treated him almost as a brother and, in
return, get swindled thus. It was through
the bank that I discovered his wrong-
doing."
This incident has not interfered with the
firm's business. New stock is now being
stored and the new C. E. Byrne styles are
finding many purchasers.
Big Kroeger Demand.
Thos. La M. Couch and J. C. Amie, the
two representatives of Kroeger interests
now on the road, find the "Kroeger" piano
strongly in evidence along their respective
routes. The dealers report them to be
quick sellers. The Kroeger is, on its in-
trinsic merits, winning friends all over the
country.
Newby & Evans.
John D. Evans, of Newby & Evans,
who returned early in the week from a
successful trip, will start again on Monday
for a brief tour in behalf of the Newby &
Evans products. The new Newby &
Evans styles, 24, 25, 26 and 27 are selling
well. Illustrations of these attractive in-
struments, on super-calendered paper,
with all particulars, will be sent promptly
on application.
A branch house has been opened in Ot-
tawa, Can., by C. W. Lindsay, the well-
known Montreal dealer. The establish-
ment is under the management of John
Rafen.
Nahum Stetson's Views
ON "HIGH-GRADE BUSINESS" AN INCREASED
APPRECIATION OF ARTISTIC PIANOS—
STEINWAY TRADE AT HOME
AND ABROAD EXCELLENT.
Nahum Stetson, of Steinway & Sons, in
a brief talk with The Review on Wednes-
day, took a position identical with that ex-
pressed editorially in the last issue of The
Review on the subject of "High-Grade
Business." He agrees with the statement
therein made that the tendency of the
piano purchaser of to-day is toward pur-
chase of the best instruments, and as the
prosperity of the country permits this ten-
dency to be indulged, high-grade business
increases accordingly.
"From a study of the trade situation as
revealed in your own business," said The
Review to Mr. Stetson, "are you inclined
to the belief that the demand to-day for
high-priced, high-grade—in other words,
artistic—pianos is stationary? "
"Do you refer to specially designed pi-
anos, or to the regular Steinway styles in
grands and uprights?" he queried.
The Review replied that those of the
latter class were in mind when the question
was asked.
" Then I will say, • most certainly,' " re-
sponded Mr. Stetson. " T h e demand will,
in my opinion, continue. It is only nat-
ural that it should be so—as natural as it
is for water to run down hill. The advance
of the higher education, a leading cause,
has brought with it a corresponding culture,
indicated by more refined taste in all de-
partments, notably music and general home
surroundings. When circumstances per-
mit, it is demanded by purchasers to-day
that the piano be, in every sense of the
term, an artistic product."
Mr. Stetson, when asked if the call for
high-priced instruments is more noticeable
in some sections of the country than in
others, said: "No; the movement is a gen-
eral one. The educational acquirements
of the people are far greater throughout
the coimtry than they were, and every
State has done its share in bringing this
about. At intervals, we find the demands
from one section far exceeding those of
any other, but subsequent events show
that the fluctuation was merely temporary
and from local causes."
The Review inquired if Steinway &
Sons are satisfied with the outlook for for.
eign trade?
"We are very much pleased with the
progress of our business in Europe," was
the reply. "Reports received from the
several branches demonstrate beyond ques-
tion the fact that the Steinway & Sons
products are steadily gaining ground in
every European country."
Speaking of domestic fall trade, Mr.
Stetson said, in response to a direct ques-
tion: "The indications are entirely favor-
able. Here is an illustration: Our retail
season at these warerooms has not yet be-
gun, as many of our customers are still
out of town. Nevertheless, we sold ten
instruments at retail yesterday. If, before
the season really commences, we do so well,
what may we not expect during the regu-
lar fall season?" There has been nothing
whatever to show, so far, Mr. Stetson ad-
ded, that the presidential canvass will in-
terfere with business.
Chase Bros, to Be Used.
THE CHICAGO AUDITORIUM CONSERVATORY
SELECT A NUMBER OF UPRIGHTS AND
GRANDS FOR THEIR USE.
A decided compliment was this week
paid the Chase Bros, pianos, manufactured
by the Chase-Hackley Piano Co., of Muske-
gon, Mich., through their selection for use
at the Chicago Auditorium Conservatory,
of which Frederic Grant Gleason is direc-
tor.
The compliment paid these instruments
is not surprising to those who have long
been cognizant of their musical merits.
The Chase Bros, pianos have always
been admired by critical dealers, not only
for their superb tone but for their con-
struction and architectural worth, and
the tribute paid by Mr. Gleason, who
by the way, ranks as one of the promin-
ent musicians and composers of the West-
ern metropolis, is something of which the
Chase-Hackley Co. can feel proud.
Associated with Mr. Gleason in his con-
servatory are a number of eminent pian-
ists such as Augusta Cottlow, who concert-
ized recently in Germany, Robt. Stevens,
Clara Cermak and Fay Hill. All these
artists have expressed themselves in terms
of the warmest praise of Chase Bros, in-
struments. A full line of grands and up-
rights has been selected.
"A Straw Which Shows.'
When The Review called upon one of
Harlem's most prominent piano manufac-
turers on Wednesday, the latter said:
"The only thing I have to tell you this
week is that I have just seen a letter in-
closing an important order from a dealer
who controls a big retail trade. At the
foot of the letter he says: 'These pianos
are to be sent only in the event of Mc-
Kinley's election. If Bryan is elected, can-
cel the order.' "
A Pioneer Dead.
Nathan B. Smith, aged eighty-five, a pi-
oneer manufacturer of melodions, died in
New London, Conn., Thursday. He was
born in 1815, and belonged to a family
which founded Norwich. He resided in
New London upward of sixty years. A
widow, two sons, and a daughter survive.
The Shoninger Ascendency.
The Shoninger star is shining as bright-
ly as ever in the piano firmament. In
keeping with the firm's successful policy,
a number of brand-new styles in uprights
have been prepared for the fall trade.
Like their predecessors of last year, they
are not only original, but excellent as ar-
tistic conceptions. Originality in art does
not always secure pleasing results. How-
ever much this may apply to other pro-
ductions, it most assuredly does not stand
good when said of the Shoninger piano.

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